Bengaluru: A fresh political storm has erupted in Karnataka after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha as an “idiot” for questioning the choice of Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festivities. The remark, laced with personal insult, has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics accusing the Chief Minister of lowering the dignity of his office and resorting to name-calling instead of addressing serious cultural and social concerns.
Pratap Simha, who has represented Mysuru-Kodagu twice in the Lok Sabha, hit back sharply at Siddaramaiah. “You, who swallowed 14 sites in MUDA, should not come and tell me anything. Siddaramaiah sir can call me whatever he wants, but let him also see what people are calling him on social media. If he dares to read those comments, he will have to walk around with his face covered,” Simha retorted.
The clash between the two leaders intensified after the Karnataka High Court dismissed Simha’s public interest litigation (PIL) seeking restrain order on Booker award recipient Banu Mushtaq from inaugurating historic Dasara festival. Simha submitted evidence to high court along with PIL about her derogatory remarks on Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, saffron, and turmeric. While the court dismissed the petition on grounds of secularism and freedom of speech, Simha clarified that he was not questioning the judiciary’s integrity but only expressing disappointment that sentiments attached to India’s core culture were brushed aside.
“I had filed the PIL with a small hope of justice. But the High Court dismissed it, saying Banu Mushtaq has the right to express her opinion. How can insulting Bhuvaneshwari, turmeric, and saffron be reduced to mere freedom of speech? Should we tolerate insults to India’s basic culture under the excuse of secularism?” Simha asked.
Simha insisted that his move was not political but rooted in emotional pain caused by Mushtaq’s remarks. “She has not even apologized for her statement. Instead of addressing the hurt caused to millions of devotees, Siddaramaiah chooses to call me a fool. Is this the conduct of a Chief Minister?” he said.
Condemnation of Siddaramaiah’s language
Political observers and cultural leaders have slammed Siddaramaiah for resorting to derogatory terms against an elected representative. Critics argue that a Chief Minister must respond with maturity and respect, even when facing sharp criticism. “Calling a two-term MP an ‘idiot’ is not only unbecoming of Siddaramaiah’s stature but also an insult to democratic traditions. Such language trivializes genuine concerns raised about religious and cultural sensitivities,” one commentator noted.
Simha went further, reminding Siddaramaiah of corruption charges haunting his past. “The case of swallowing 14 sites in MUDA is still fresh in people’s memory. Instead of explaining how such daylight robbery was allowed, Siddaramaiah finds comfort in personal abuse. People know the truth and will not forgive such arrogance,” Simha charged.
Broader cultural implications
At the heart of the controversy lies the contentious decision to allow Banu Mushtaq, a controversial figure, to inaugurate the prestigious Mysuru Dasara festivities. Many believe her past remarks on Bhuvaneshwari and saffron make her unfit for the honor. “What should be the situation if such statements are made out of arrogance and hatred? Is it right to look at this from a purely secular perspective while brushing aside centuries-old traditions and sentiments?” Simha asked.
He questioned whether freedom of expression can be stretched endlessly. “Tomorrow, if someone insults the Ashoka Chakra or mocks ‘Satyameva Jayate,’ will that too be justified in the name of secularism and free speech? Where do we draw the line between expression and insult?”
The issue also revives public memory of other cases where courts have dismissed matters involving cultural offence. Simha pointed to instances such as you tuber Sameer’s video that allegedly instilled distrust in Dharmasthala and cases against Mahesh Shetty Timarodi. “Those who openly hurt religious sentiments are walking free. But when I raise concerns as a citizen and former MP, I am mocked as a fool. Is this the justice Siddaramaiah wants to give Karnataka?” Simha fumed.
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